Mockingbird: a Songbird Sequel

Twelve: Lennie

We slipped back into our usual routines after that. Colt was at the bar most nights and I was busy working with Eden on songs for her upcoming album. Beau stayed grumpy and generally unapproachable, but he didn't try to push or fight with his father either, so I just let him do his sulking thing. His father was in full-on Suck-Up Mode, and it was rather adorable. He was all snuggly and sweet, affectionate and apologetic and it made it nearly impossible to stay mad at him. Truth be told, I didn't want to. It was pretty obvious he felt bad enough, there was no need for me to make it worse. As long as he kept his word about returning to therapy and made strides to better himself, I was going to be one hundred percent Team Colt.

That Friday was the start of Beau's Championship tournament. I was a bit surprised Colt was going to let him play, honestly, but he said something about Beau needing to keep his commitments and not disappointing all the other kids or something like that. Beau was the team's all-star, and that wasn't just a mom's brag. The kid was REALLY good. We weren't sure where he got it, because baseball was never his father's sport, but... my God, there was no denying the kid's talent. So, mid-Friday afternoon, Eden, Beau, and I were headed to the baseball field.

"Your dad said he's on his way," I stated, turning down the loudly blaring Old Dominion cd.

Beau shrugged. "Don't really care."

I sighed. "Beau..."

"I don't know why he's showing up. Not like he actually cares."

"Beau James, stop it," I scolded. "Your father loves you."

"Coulda fooled me," Beau mumbled as we pulled into the field's parking lot. "Be better if he just stayed gone."

I threw the Jeep into park and stared at him. "Eden, could you give us a minute?"

"Sure thing!" Eden agreed, doing her peppy best to pretend she didn't realize anything was going on. She sprang over the side of the Jeep and headed off to where Carter's truck was parked.

"You listen to me," I stated, my tone much harsher than it usually was when it came to this boy. "You do not get to say things like that. That is not okay. Do you know how many kids out there would kill to have a father like yours? How many kids would kill to have a man who wants nothing but to love and protect them? You better start counting your blessings, Beau."

"I get..."

"No. I'm not finished," I interrupted, pointing a manicured index finger in his direction. "The little predicament you find yourself in right now? That is no one's fault but your own. Your father told you what was expected of you, and you went against that. That isn't on him, it's on you, and you need to start taking responsibility for that. You want us to treat you like an adult? Then put on your big boy pants and stop walking around moping all the time like we've wronged you somehow. You wronged yourself, kid." 

"I know..."

"Then stop with this animosity toward your father. You think he likes this? You think he enjoys punishing you? He's breaking his own damn heart every time, Beau, and you're not giving him any other choice. That man has done the best he can since the day you were born. He gave up a career to take care of you. He walked away from his band and his music to do what was best FOR YOU. He didn't have a father growing up. Your grandpa died when he was seven. Seven years old, Beau. I guarantee you that at fifteen he was dreaming about having a dad to show him the ropes. I guarantee you he still wishes his dad was around to teach him. He always will be, and you're over here acting like a damn fool."

"I'm sorry," Beau whispered, wringing his hands together as he stared at the Jeep's floor mats.

"You're the one making the decisions in all of this, Beau. Your actions have consequences. Don't like 'em? You're the only one that can change that. Not me, not your father, YOU."